A household snowboarding trip can get very costly in a short time. Fortunately, for those who’re savvy about the place you ski, there are some nice methods to economize in your youngsters’ ski passes.
There are a lot of ski resorts all through the U.S. the place youngsters can ski free of charge or, at the least, for a decreased worth. Many mountains and applications across the U.S. even lengthen this discounted pricing to youngsters as much as 12 years previous. There are additionally some state-specific ski “passport” applications designed for elementary school-aged youngsters.
With many free or discounted carry ticket choices, your ski journeys haven’t got to interrupt the financial institution. Let’s take a look at a few of your selections throughout the U.S.
Alterra Mountain Firm
Alterra Mountain Firm, the corporate behind the Ikon Move, is providing it is first ever Children Ski Free Week. Between Dec. 7 and Dec. 13, 2024, youngsters can rise up to seven free carry tickets at 15 taking part resorts. This provide is for teenagers 12 and below (though the age jumps to 17 and below at Stratton and Schweitzer).
Taking part resorts embrace:
- Colorado: Steamboat and Winter Park
- California: Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Huge Bear Mountain Resort, and Snow Valley
- Idaho: Schweitzer
- Utah: Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort
- Vermont: Stratton and Sugarbush Resort
- West Virginia: Snowshoe Mountain
- Washington: Crystal Mountain
- Quebec, Canada: Tremblant
- Ontario, Canada: Blue Mountain (topic to opening date)
Arizona
Arizona Snowbowl
All kids 12 and below can get a Energy Children Move free of charge.
California
Heavenly Mountain Resort
All youngsters 4 and below ski free of charge at Heavenly.
June Mountain
June Mountain provides free snowboarding for each single little one 12 and below. The resort has additionally made buying a season go for teenagers extremely simple by the Ikon Move.
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Palisades Tahoe
Kids 4 and below all the time ski free of charge at Palisades Tahoe.
Colorado
Colorado third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade passport program
Along with the one-off mountain offers listed beneath, in case you have a 3rd, fourth, fifth or sixth grader, your little one can get a ski passport for an extremely decreased charge. It prices simply $67 for 4 one-day carry tickets that grant entry to twenty taking part mountains all through Colorado.
You will additionally obtain two free junior each day rental packages from Christy Sports activities. You’ll be able to register on-line. Keep in mind that Colorado residency will not be required.
These carry tickets are legitimate seven days every week, although do be aware that they’ve just a few vacation blackout dates (Dec. 25, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025; Jan. 18 to 19, 2025; and Feb. 15 to 16, 2025).
This 12 months’s taking part resorts are Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Cooper, Copper Mountain, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Hesperus Ski Space, Howelsen Hill Ski Space, Loveland Ski Space, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Purgatory Resort, Snowmass, Steamboat Ski Resort, Daylight Mountain Resort, Telluride Ski Resort and Winter Park Resort.
Colorado Gems Teen Move passport program
Along with the elementary faculty passport program, Colorado Gems is providing a brand new money-saving choice for older youngsters.
For youths ages 12 by 17, the Gems Teen Move will get you two full-day tickets to 11 taking part mountains all through Colorado. And for those who’re snowboarding along with your teenagers, you may need to look into the Gems Dad or mum Move for your self.
Whereas the associated fee is barely costlier at $199 per go, with entry to 22 days of snowboarding, that comes out to simply $9 per day. The tickets are legitimate seven days every week with blackout dates (Dec. 25, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025; Jan. 18 to 19, 2025; and Feb. 15 to 16, 2025).
Taking part resorts embrace Arapahoe Basin, Cooper, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Hesperus Ski Space, Loveland Ski Space, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Purgatory Resort and Daylight Mountain Resort.
With each Colorado applications, costs are topic to vary all through the season. If you recognize you may get some use out of this program, you must lock within the worth now.
Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack program
The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack is a free program for youngsters in kindergarten by fifth grade that gives 4 days of snowboarding at Vail Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Resort, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Keystone Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort. It additionally contains one free first-timer ski or journey lesson with gear rental.
There is no such thing as a residency requirement for the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack, however you do want to enroll in individual in Colorado. Blackout dates, which generally comply with the overall Epic Move vacation dates, apply every year.
Whereas registration has already closed for the 2024-2025 ski season, hold this in thoughts if you plan your future ski season holidays.
Arapahoe Basin
At Arapahoe Basin, kids 5 and below ski free of charge.
Aspen Snowmass
Kids 6 and below historically ski free of charge at Aspen Snowmass. Older youngsters between 7 and 12 can obtain a free carry ticket at Aspen Snowmass in the event that they lease ski gear with 4 Mountain Sports activities; the ticket is legitimate for all the size of your rental (with a two-day minimal). The principle caveat is that you should e-book your lodging by Keep Aspen Snowmass (with a two-night keep minimal). This promotion is legitimate Jan. 1, 2025, by April 20, 2025.
To reap the benefits of this promotion, you should additionally e-book by the fifteenth of the month earlier than your arrival.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Kids 4 and below historically ski free of charge at Breckenridge.
Breckenridge additionally has many lodge choices the place you should use your factors for a free keep. You need to use your Hilton Honors factors on the Resort Alpenrock Breckenridge, Curio Assortment by Hilton and your Marriott Bonvoy factors on the Residence Inn Breckenridge.
Associated: 7 nice methods to make use of 100,000 Hilton Honors factors and a free night time award
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Kids 4 and below ski free of charge at Crested Butte.
Beaver Creek Resort
Kids 4 and below ski free of charge at Beaver Creek.
Beaver Creek is one other nice choice in Colorado if you wish to use your lodge factors. There are a lot of chain lodge choices, such because the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek (from 35,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time), The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch (from 88,000 Bonvoy factors per night time throughout ski season) and The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley (from 70,000 Bonvoy factors per night time throughout ski season).
Hesperus Ski Space
Hesperus is a part of the Energy Move, which implies that all kids 12 and youthful qualify for a free youngsters go.
Keystone Resort
When you e-book a lodging package deal immediately by Keystone for 2 or extra nights, youngsters 12 and below ski free of charge. You will obtain one complimentary carry ticket on a two-night keep, then a further carry ticket on each night time booked thereafter. Kids 4 and below historically ski free of charge at Keystone.
Sadly, the kids-ski-free provide not applies to Hyatt Place Keystone / Dillon, even on paid stays. Whereas that is nonetheless an awesome property to remain at when visiting Keystone — particularly because it’s solely a Class 4 property — you may need to look into an Epic Move on your little one.
Loveland Ski Space
Households who need to put their youngsters in ski faculty can rating their little one a free season go at Loveland. Merely join your kids for 3 full-day classes (ski or snowboard), they usually’ll obtain a season go. This provide is legitimate for youngsters between the ages of seven and 14; the three-class go prices $627. When you prepurchase your package deal, you may get the season go instantly. Kids 5 and below historically ski free of charge.
Purgatory Resort
Purgatory is a part of the Energy Children program, the place youngsters 12 and below can get a free season go to make use of at 11 taking part resorts. Different legitimate resorts embrace Pajarito Mountain Ski Space, Sandia Peak Ski Space and Sipapu Ski and Summer season Resort in New Mexico; Arizona Snowbowl in Arizona; Nordic Valley Ski Resort and Brian Head Resort in Utah; Lee Canyon in Nevada; Willamette Move Ski Resort in Oregon; Spider Mountain in Texas; and Valle Nevado and La Parva in Chile.
Steamboat Ski Resort
If you buy an grownup ticket for 5 or extra days at Steamboat Springs, any little one below 12 will ski free of charge for a similar variety of days. That is legitimate for a kid snowboarding with a guardian, grandparent or authorized guardian. Just one little one is allowed to ski free of charge per grownup.
Moreover, for those who’re flying into Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) on Alaska Airways, you’ll be able to ski free of charge the night of your flight. Simply present your boarding go on the ticket workplace. When you’re arriving on a Monday or Wednesday, you should use your free night time snowboarding on Thursday.
Associated: Greatest ski resorts in Colorado for everybody from learners to consultants
Vail Ski Resort
Kids 4 and below ski free of charge at Vail.
Much like Beaver Creek, utilizing factors and miles is a superb solution to make your total trip right here much more reasonably priced. Some in style choices for factors and miles lovers are The Hythe, a Luxurious Assortment Resort, Vail (from 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time throughout ski season), Highline Vail — a DoubleTree by Hilton (between 57,000 and 80,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time) and the Grand Hyatt Vail (from 25,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time).
Utah
Utah fourth, fifth and sixth grade passport program
Ski Utah provides a fourth, fifth and sixth grade passport program that you would be able to buy even for those who’re not a resident. It prices $69 per go (although that worth will improve Nov. 30, 2024) and is legitimate seven days every week. Choose resorts have blackout dates.
The go grants entry to a few days every at 15 completely different Utah resorts, together with Alta Ski Space, Brighton Resort, Beaver Mountain Ski Resort, Brian Head Resort, Cherry Peak Ski Resort, Deer Valley Resort, Eagle Level Resort, Nordic Valley Ski Resort, Park Metropolis Mountain, Powder Mountain, Snowbasin Resort, Snowbird, Solitude Mountain Resort, Sundance Resort and Woodward Park Metropolis.
Brian Head Resort
Brian Head is a part of the Energy Move, so youngsters 12 and below can get a free season go.
Brighton Resort
Brighton’s kids-ski-free program permits youngsters 6 and below to ski free of charge with the acquisition of 1 grownup ticket (a restrict of two kids per paying grownup applies). You simply should buy a one-time reloadable Brighton Card for $5 per little one.
Moreover, you should buy a season go for teenagers 6 and youthful for $65. Not solely can kids ski for much less at any time — with no paying grownup — however there are also just a few perks of the season go. This contains free carry tickets at resorts within the Wasatch space and throughout the Boyne household of properties, in addition to free parking and use of the Utah Transit Authority ski bus. You additionally do not should go to the ticket window every day to say your free day go.
Nordic Valley Ski Resort
Nordic Valley participates within the Energy Move, that means youngsters 12 and below can ski free of charge with a complimentary season go.
Powder Mountain
Kids 4 and below ski free of charge at Powder Mountain. Nevertheless, you should buy these carry tickets on-line.
Snowbasin Resort
Kids 4 and below ski free of charge at Snowbasin.
Snowbird
Kids 6 and below ski free of charge at Snowbird. Moreover, with each grownup season go bought, you’ll be able to add on a complimentary Children Freeloader Move, which is legitimate for these 18 and youthful. And, even higher, the kid would not should be associated to the grownup.
Solitude Mountain Resort
Kids 4 and below ski free of charge at Solitude.
Sundance Resort
Kids 5 and below ski free of charge at Sundance.
Idaho
Idaho fifth and sixth grade passport program
For simply $29 for the 2024-2025 ski season, the Idaho Peak Season Passport will enable each fifth and sixth graders to ski a ton this winter. Fifth graders get three free days at every of the 17 mountains (for a complete of 51 days of snowboarding), whereas sixth graders get two free days on the identical mountains (for a complete of 34 days of snowboarding). There isn’t any residency restriction for this deal, however there are particular blackout dates at every mountain.
Taking part mountains embrace Bald Mountain, Bogus Basin, Brundage Mountain Resort, Cottonwood Butte, Grand Targhee Resort, Little Ski Hill, Lookout Move Ski and Recreation Space, Misplaced Path Ski Space, Magic Mountain Ski Resort, Pebble Creek Ski Space, Pomerelle Mountain Resort, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Silver Mountain Resort, Snowhaven Ski & Tubing Space, Soldier Mountain, Solar Valley Resort and Tamarack Resort.
Bogus Basin
When you’re flying Alaska Airways to Boise Airport (BOI), you may obtain a free carry ticket on the identical day as your flight. Simply current your Alaska Airways boarding go and ID on the Simplot Lodge ticket window, and you will obtain your go.
Solar Valley Resort
Kids 4 and below all the time ski free of charge right here. Prior to now, Solar Valley has supplied many lodging packages the place youngsters 12 and below ski free of charge with the acquisition of an grownup ticket. So, be looking out for these specials.
Washington
Washington fifth grade passport program
The Ski the Northwest Rockies passport program for fifth graders prices $23. It permits all fifth graders entry to 5 completely different mountains all through Idaho and Washington. These mountains embrace 49 Levels North Mountain Resort (Washington), Loup Loup Ski Bowl (Washington), Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park (Washington), Lookout Move Ski and Recreation Space (Idaho) and Silver Mountain Resort (Idaho).
The go means that you can ski for as much as three days at every of the taking part resorts. Every mountain has its personal set of blackout dates and restrictions. Some even provide included ski classes.
There’s additionally an Idaho go that features a completely different set of mountains; get each passes for those who want to discover extra slopes.
Wyoming
Jackson Gap Mountain Resort
Kids 4 and below all the time ski free of charge at Jackson Gap.
Utilizing factors is a stable solution to make your total trip right here extra reasonably priced. The SpringHill Suites Jackson Gap is an efficient choice that prices between 42,000 and 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time throughout ski season. You might additionally go for The Cloudveil, Autograph Assortment, one other Marriott-affiliated property.
Oregon
Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort
That is fairly presumably top-of-the-line provides on the record as a result of youngsters in fifth and sixth grade obtain free rental gear, carry tickets and classes at Anthony Lakes. That is legitimate every Sunday between Jan. 5 and Feb. 23, 2025. When you’re studying to ski, that is by far the perfect alternative. And so long as your little one attends seven out of the eight classes, they will buy a reduced season go. Accompanying adults also can buy a $25 carry ticket.
Mount Bachelor
Mount Bachelor’s Children Ski Free provide offers kids 12 and below the chance to ski free of charge with the acquisition of a three-day grownup carry ticket. To snag this provide, you should buy your carry tickets at the least seven days earlier than visiting. Understand that kids 5 and below all the time ski free of charge at Mount Bachelor.
Willamette Move Ski Resort
With the Energy Move, all youngsters 12 and below ski free of charge at Willamette Move.
Nevada
Lee Canyon
All youngsters 12 and below ski free of charge at Lee Canyon with the Energy Move.
Michigan
Michigan fourth and fifth grade passport program
With Michigan’s Chilly is Cool program, all fourth and fifth graders can ski free of charge all winter lengthy. For simply $30 (which matches to operated bills and a charitable donation), you may obtain three free carry tickets or path passes at 29 taking part ski areas. There are additionally coupons for ski outlets and free (or discounted) classes.
Blackout dates apply at sure mountains, and the kid should be accompanied by a paying grownup (a most of two youngsters per grownup).
Maine
Maine Winter Children app
Whereas many mountains have their very own applications, the Winter Children app provides many reductions on snowboarding and different actions all through the state (with some New Hampshire actions as properly). This membership prices $40 and covers a household of 5.
Sunday River
Kids 5 and below ski for virtually free at Sunday River. There is a very nominal price (i.e., a one-day ticket is $5).
Sugarloaf Mountain
Kids 5 and below ski at Sugarloaf Mountain for simply $5 per day. In any other case, you should buy a season go (which may even offer you entry to Sunday River and Loon Mountain Resort in New Hampshire) for $30.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire fourth and fifth grade passport program
New Hampshire’s Snowsports Passport program offers your fourth or fifth grader entry to greater than 30 completely different resorts as soon as every all through the season for simply $59. Though there are just a few blackout dates all year long, it is a nice alternative to go to many in style New Hampshire mountains this winter. And like lots of the different state passport applications, there isn’t any residency requirement.
Bretton Woods Ski Space
Kids 4 and below ski free of charge at Bretton Woods.
Cannon Mountain
Sometimes, kids 5 and below ski free at Cannon Mountain with a paying grownup.
Gunstock Mountain Resort
Kids 5 and below all the time ski free of charge at Gunstock.
Loon Mountain Resort
Kids 5 and below ski free of charge at Loon Mountain.
Mount Sunapee
Kids 4 and below ski free of charge at Mount Sunapee. Or, for youngsters ages 5 and 6, buy an Epic Northeast Worth Tot Move for lower than $50 for the season. This will get you entry to all Northeast Vail Resorts throughout nonrestricted dates. Notice: Your little one solely must be 6 (or youthful) on the time of buy, not when the season really begins. You additionally should name Vail Resorts to buy the go; you’ll be able to’t do it on-line. If the consultant is not conscious of this go, ask to talk to somebody larger up.
Waterville Valley Resort
Kids 5 and below ski free of charge at Waterville Valley Resort. Moreover, youngsters 12 and below will obtain a free season go with the acquisition of an grownup season go.
When you lease seasonal gear on your little one at Ken Jones Ski Mart in New Hampshire, these between 6 and 12 will obtain a free junior Waterville Valley Season Move.
New York
New York third, fourth and fifth grade passport program
With New York’s Ski NY Ski & Experience Passport Program, kids in third, fourth and fifth grade can ski at over 25 mountains all through the state. Though blackout dates apply, you’ll go to every mountain twice over the season. The associated fee is extremely affordable, with only a $45 processing charge.
Vermont
Vermont fifth grade passport program
Ski Vermont’s Fifth Grade Passport permits all fifth graders to ski this winter for simply $30. With this passport, you may obtain three vouchers at 20 completely different downhill resorts, plus two dozen cross-country resorts. All vouchers can be utilized by the tip of ski season, however date restrictions do apply and differ by resort.
There is no such thing as a residency requirement. Nevertheless, every passport holder must be accompanied by a ticket or ski passholder. (One grownup can convey as much as two kids utilizing the passport.)
Bromley Mountain
Children 5 and below ski free of charge at Bromley Mountain.
Killington Ski Resort
Kids 6 and below all the time ski free of charge. Prior to now, Killington has additionally run ski and keep packages the place a baby between 7 and 12 can ski free of charge, so hopefully, that’ll return for this season as properly.
Mount Snow
Kids 6 and below ski free of charge at Mount Snow.
Okemo Mountain Resort
Kids 6 and below ski free of charge at Okemo Mountain.
Pico Mountain
Children 6 and below ski free of charge at Pico Mountain. For a few years, the mountain has additionally run an unimaginable provide the place youngsters (ages 7 to 12) can obtain a free season go with the acquisition of an grownup season go. (The kid should be a dependent.) Nevertheless, with this provide, you should buy by a sure deadline, which has already handed for the 2024-2025 season. That is one thing to bear in mind for subsequent 12 months.
Stowe Mountain Resort
Children 4 and below ski free of charge at Stowe.
In case you end up visiting the resort, right here is all the things you’ll want to find out about Stowe. Trace: You’ll be able to use your World of Hyatt factors to remain at The Lodge at Spruce Peak on the base of the mountain.
New Mexico
Pajarito Mountain Ski Space
A part of the Energy Move, Pajarito Mountain offers all kids 12 and youthful a season go free of charge.
Sandia Peak Ski Space
Sandia Peak simply joined the Energy Move final 12 months, so kids 12 and youthful get a free season go.
Sipapu Ski and Summer season Resort
Sipapu can be a part of the Energy Move, the place once more, kids 12 and youthful can get a season go free of charge.
Ski Apache
Kids 5 and below ski free of charge at Ski Apache.
Ski Santa Fe
Kids 5 and below ski for $20 at Ski Santa Fe.
Taos Ski Valley
Kids 6 and below ski free of charge with a paying grownup at Taos Ski Valley.
Associated: What’s the perfect ski go this season? Evaluating Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective and Indy passes
Backside line
By snowboarding at a mountain the place your youngsters get free tickets and you’ll use factors and miles in your airfare and lodge, you may make your upcoming ski trip way more reasonably priced.
The place will your loved ones ski this winter?
Study extra about planning for a ski journey:
